|
Westminster's Romanesque Revival design was by the architect, H.M. Wilcox.
Light "yellow" brick, likely to have come from Jesse
Ketchum's native Canada, was used. Windows on the Delaware, north and south
walls have round arches. Pointed Gothic arches were installed on the interior
when new windows were installed, 1931-1952. Small brick arches in the cornice
are reminiscent of Lombardy architecture of northern Italy. The Parish House,
built in 1918, housing the Parish Hall and Case library, resembles a Norman
keep. Behind Westminster is the restored Victorian stable for the Rumsey residence,
now used by Early Childhood Programs.
When the Sanctuary was renovated in 1903, Tiffany Studios stenciled Christian
symbols in gold throughout: thirteen around the chancel arch, eleven in the chancel and sixty-six on wall panels; all being
complemented by the rich colors of their windows. In 1931,Westminster started
replacing the windows; the last of which can be found in the south anteroom
by the Delaware Avenue entrance. The symbols were covered during the 1954
renovation. During the renovation of 1992, symbols in the chancel and around
its arch were restored. The new windows are in the Gothic Revival style, similar
in design and fabrication to those found in the 12th and 13th century cathedrals
of Europe. In 1967 the "Praise" window, facing Delaware Avenue on the north
side of the main entrance, was dedicated in a service led by Dr. Kiely. This
window completed a plan initiated by Dr. Holmes and implemented by Dr. Butzer
from 1932 to 1962. Altogether there are thirty-one masterpieces by four of
the leading artists associated with the Gothic revival in America: Henry Willet
of Philadelphia and Wilbur Burnham, Charles Connick, and Joseph Reynolds of
Boston.
The biblical and symbolic substance depicted in this art is very comprehensive.
There are 218 unique items of interest throughout the Sanctuary, Delaware
entrance and Holmes Chapel: 127 bible stories in the windows, 56 Judeo-Christian
symbols on walls and in the windows , and 33 significant events associated
with Work of the Church portrayed in the windows. To appreciate this scope,
begin in the Sanctuary at the Delaware end with the ten windows which cover
the complete story of the Bible: Old Testament on the North, and New Testament
on the South.
"Creation" by Willet. 1950. Given by Mr. and Mrs. Horace Reed.
"Commandments" by Connick. 1951. Given by Mr. and Mrs. J. Frederick Schoellkopf,
Jr.
"Prophets" by Connick. 1950. Given by Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Troup.
"Psalms" by Reynolds. 1949. Given by Mr. and Mrs. Edgar F. Wendt.
"Prophesies" by Reynolds. 1948. Given by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Sanders.
"Nativity" by Burnham. 1931. Given in honor of Jewett M. Richmond by Lillian
and Edward Richmond.
"Miracles" by Willet. 1947. Given by Mrs. Horace Reed.
"Parables" by Connick. 1935. Given in honor of Elizabeth Clifford Alderman
by Frank W. Alderman.
"Beatitudes" by Burnham. 1934. Given in honor of Fanny Barnham How by James
How
"Crowning Events" by Willet. 1947. Given in honor of members who died in World
War II by the Westminster Congregation.
"Praise" by Willet. 1967. Given in honor of Frank A. Yeager by Mrs. Isabelle
Wheaten Yeager.
"Acts of Mercy" by Burnham. 1950.
"The Great Invitation" by Burnham. 1950.
"Gifts of the Spirit" by Burnham. 1950. These three windows were given in
honor of Dr. Almon H. Cooke by Mrs. Jesse A. Cooke. Tiffany on south side
interior. Installed in 1903 by the Congregation. Earlier glass is on exterior.
Holmes Chapel 
"Christ The Teacher" by Willet 1941. Given in honor of N. Loring Danforth,
given by the Danforth family. "Women of the Church" by Willet 1946. Eight
windows on the North side. A memorial to Carolyn Tripp Clement.
"Builders of The Church" by Willet 1946. Eight windows on the South side.
A memorial to Stephen Merrill Clement, Jr. These sixteen windows were given
by Mr. and Mrs. Norman Parsons Clement.
Symbols
in the Chancel (from left)
Circle and Triangle - symbol of Eternity and Trinity
Shell - symbol of Baptism Symbol of Trinity
Head of an Ox - symbol of St. Luke
Face of an Angel - symbol of St. Matthew
(center) Monogram of Christ
(ceiling) The Tree of Life
Head of a Lion - symbol of St. Mark
The Eagle - symbol of St. John
Symbol of Perfection of the Trinity
Cross and Monogram of Christ
Symbol of the Trinity
Symbols Around the Chancel Arch (from lower
left) 
Saw, symbol of St. Simon
Lance and Rule, symbol of St. Thomas
Hatchet, symbol of St. Matthew
Knife, symbol of St. Bartholomew
Chalice and Serpent, symbol of St. John
Sword, symbol of St. Paul
(upper center) Jesus Christ the Conqueror
Keys, symbol of St. Peter
St. Andrew's Cross, symbol of St. Andrew
Column and Staff, symbol of St. Philip
Knotted Club, symbol of St. Jude
Battle Ax, symbol of St. Matthew
Pilgrim's Staff, symbol of St. James
Bas-relief Wood Carvings on the Pulpit
"All these things spake Jesus to the multutudes in Parables" by Adlais Hardin,
1967
"Sower"
"Prodigal son"
"Mustard seed"
"Good Samaritan"
"Pharisee and tax collector"
 
|